Chief of Staff

TITLE: Chief of Staff

DEPARTMENT: Executive

REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

SALARY: $145,000 - $155,000 annually

HOURS: Full Time -  Exempt

START DATE: ASAP 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 4th, 2025

Heart of Los Angeles (Heart of LA) helps young people overcome barriers through exceptional, free, integrated programs and personalized guidance in a trusted, nurturing environment. 

Our core values are: Respect, Responsibility, Support, Positive Communication, and Inclusion

OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the CEO and Board of Directors, the Chief of Staff will serve as a strategic advisor and executive leader, driving key organizational priorities, optimizing decision-making, and ensuring seamless execution of company-wide initiatives, ensuring the organization remains agile, mission-aligned, and positioned for sustainable success. This role will oversee the Executive Team and key leadership, work closely with each to strengthen operational efficiency, accountability, and impact.

The Chief of Staff will be responsible for ensuring the effectiveness of program management, fundraising and community relations, administration and finance, and strategic communications to amplify the power and effectiveness of our mission. Additionally, this role will advance Heart of LA’s long-term growth strategy, strengthen partnerships, and support key fundraising efforts. 

The ideal candidate is a strategic thought partner and problem-solver with a track record of executive advising, team leadership, and organizational impact with a passion for mission-driven, youth- and community-centered organizations.   

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work closely and collaboratively with the CEO to advance key organizational and strategic priorities, optimize decision-making, and support organization-wide initiatives.
• Lead strategic projects aligned with the CEO’s top priorities, collaborating with senior leaders to deliver measurable organizational impact.
• Support the CEO in his execution of Heart of LA’s Strategic Plan, advancing strategic growth initiatives, ensuring sustainable expansion and mission alignment.
• Oversee and guide the Executive Team and key leadership, holding leadership accountable for delivering measurable impact across all core functions, including programs, fundraising, administration, finance, and communications, and ensuring strong leadership development and operational execution.
• Drive organizational planning, policy development, and key decision-making, ensuring alignment across staff, senior leadership, and the Board.
• Lead organizational change management efforts, identifying and implementing best practices for long-term sustainability.
• Foster cross-departmental collaboration to strengthen the organization’s ability to serve its mission effectively.
• Collaborate with the Director of Administration & Finance on financial and operational strategy, including budgeting, forecasting, audits, financial planning, and HR.
• Support key fundraising and donor engagement efforts.
• Strengthen partnerships with community stakeholders, funders, and institutional partners, advocating for Heart of LA’s impact.
• Serve as a key advisor to the Board of Directors, staffing key committees (Governance, Real Estate, Finance, Investment, Audit) and supporting Board development initiatives.
• Support and review Board development, engagement, compliance, finances, communications, and gala activities as needed. 
• Attend Board meetings and maintain positive Board relationships. Assist with strategy for potential new Board members and Board Fellows as needed.
• Navigate complex and ambiguous challenges, providing structured solutions to drive organizational success and efficiency.
• Support efforts to build and sustain an equitable, inclusive organizational culture.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Skills & Experience:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent executive leadership experience in nonprofit operations, strategy, or organizational management preferred.
• 7+ years of executive leadership experience with a proven track record in strategic planning, team leadership, and organizational effectiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee and manage senior teams across multiple functions (finance, programs, development, operations).
• Strong financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, forecasting, and financial strategy.
• Experience working with and staffing a Board of Directors, including governance, fundraising, and strategic initiatives.
• Exceptional communication skills—both written and verbal—with the ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders.
• Adept at problem-solving, decision-making, and driving measurable impact.

Ideal Leadership Qualities:

• Visionary strategist and problem-solver with the ability to balance high-level strategy with operational execution.
• Collaborative leader and mentor, skilled in executive advising and leadership development.
• Committed to equity, inclusion, and community empowerment.
• Agile and adaptable in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Other Requirements:

• Proficient level of computer skills (Microsoft Office and Google Work Suite environment) including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and internet research
• Ability and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends
• Serve as the executive team lead for off-hours emergency situations that arise within operations and facilities

COMPENSATION: 

• This is a full time, exempt position
• Salary $145,000 - $155,000 annually 
• Employer-paid medical benefit
• Employer-paid vision and dental benefit
• Employer-paid life insurance benefit
• 403b retirement plan available with employer contribution
• Paid holidays benefit in excess of 20 days annually with birthday off, including 1 week of summer break and winter break between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day
• Paid vacation benefit to include one week during the first year, 2 weeks during 2nd year, and increasing to 3 weeks by 3rd year
• Paid sick time benefit of 10 days annually
• Allowance for a cellular phone that can be used for work

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position.  Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others.  The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills or abilities.

As an equal opportunity employer, HOLA values having a diverse workforce and continuously strives to maintain an inclusive and equitable workplace.  We encourage people with a diverse range of backgrounds to apply.  We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, gender, handicap, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The building environment does not provide air conditioning and heat in all areas. Outdoor work is expected in some cases.